Monday, March 18, 2013

International Edible Book Festivals on the Menu!

Keep your eyes, ears, and tastebuds open--International Edible Book Day is close upon us (April 1st) and festivals are popping everywhere to celebrate.

April 1st was the birthday of french gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), well-known for his book Physiologie du goût, a witty meditation on food. The celebration--which includes creative perspectives on books through food--began in 1999 and has grown to be a worldwide phenomenon. In the US, universities, libraries, and an assortment of "book art" groups are putting on events. Take a look at the Facebook page for Books2Eat, the organization responsible for spawning the Edible Book Festival, to find event announcements and photos from recent events. Traditionally, these events are held on or around April 1st, which seems like the most appropriate day to have fun and play with your food. And the ideas people come up with, from elaborate artwork recreating a scene or character to punny plays on titles, are both mouth watering and awe inspiring.
Scroll through some images here.

Unfortunately, the only San Diego event I know of, hosted by San Diego Book Arts, already passed. And the SDSU ChildLit GSA has plans of hosting our own event, though not until the fall (consider it a half-birthday celebration, if you will). But there are festivals all over (I believe UCLA's event will be held on April 5; check out details here!). Find an event or hold your own!

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